McCollom: NIMBY’ attitudes and mental health

Because there is not a sign that I can put in my front yard, I feel compelled to share my opinion on the controversy over Walden coming to Framingham.

Although I do not live in the immediate neighborhood of the proposed Walden site, I am a taxpaying homeowner in Framingham. I have also felt affected by changes that may have negatively impacted my own property value. I think the greater good needs to be examined.

I have both a personal and professional interest, as a mother and as a nurse in a pediatric hospital, in increasing services for mental health and suicide prevention, especially in children and young adults, our most vulnerable population.

People give far too much "lip service" to the opinion that mental health services should be increased, and stigma should be reduced, especially after a tragedy. But… the "Not In MY Back Yard" stance seems to take priority. I feel the NIMBY position, without disrespect, is ignorant. If one had a daughter or son that is suffering, yes, they are truly and severely suffering with an eating disorder or mood disorder, I imagine one may change this stance.

After a tragedy, a teenage suicide or one of the senseless school shootings for example, so many people are quick to acknowledge that mental health services need to be more accessible, but "not in my backyard"; really? I do not believe it is an over statement to say that an appropriate mental health treatment center may very likely save lives and, at the least, improve lives.

There are not enough appropriate facilities and not enough beds and programs to treat those in need. I know first-hand that there are far too many children and adolescents being placed in medical beds, not equipped to deal with their mental health needs, while they wait, "boarding", untreated, until a bed becomes available. I feel as a community, we can help to remedy this shortage. We can do the responsible thing and stop impeding the development of this treatment center in our town. Those afflicted with mental health illnesses do live in our community. They may be our children, their classmates, our neighbors and our colleagues.

As a pediatric nurse and a taxpaying resident of Framingham, I adamantly appeal to those that are speaking out against Walden and trying to block their efforts to take down your lawn signs, and reconsider this worthwhile addition to our town.